Graphic Arts
23 courses · Laney College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026
GRART 32 Digital Documents (Adobe InDesign)
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Advisory
- GRART 111 or GRART 113.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Application of "page layout" software utilized in the graphic arts/multimedia industries for digital document generation: Production of various basic publications, use of peripheral devices such as scanners and laser output devices, and efficient print ready file preparation.
GRART 34 Adobe Illustrator Basics
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Advisory
- BUS 219 or CIS 205 or GRART 230.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Skill based approach to vector based drawing software: Emphasis on graphic design, print and web graphics and fine arts applications; exploration through hands-on projects.
GRART 35 Advanced Adobe Illustrator
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Advisory
- GRART 034.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Application of vector software utilized in the graphic arts/multimedia industries for digitized illustration and drawing of imagery: Logos, posters, publication illustrations, custom environments advanced typography, layers and appearances, drawing and coloring, brush techniques, blends, gradients and mesh, transparency, live effects and live 3D effects and other techniques; exploration through hands-on projects.
GRART 36 Adobe Photoshop Basics
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU
Introduction to imaging software utilized in the graphic arts for photo and tonal manipulations: Selecting, painting and filling, layers, editing images, color correction, typography, tools, masks and channels, converting and manipulating images, and filters ; exploration through hands-on projects.
GRART 37 Advanced Photoshop
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Advisory
- GRART 036.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Implementation of imaging software (Adobe Photoshop) utilized in graphic arts and photography: Tonal manipulations, image editing, color correction, file resolution, sharpening, filters, and output methods utilized in hands-on projects, advanced Photoshop techniques.
GRART 42 Web Graphics
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Advisory
- GRART 111, GRART 230 or Computer literacy.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Introduction and application of HTML and CSS used in web page design and construction: Web-page construction with emphasis on graphic appearance.
GRART 43 Web Graphics and Animation
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2.5 hours lecture, 1.5 hours lab
- Advisory
- GRART 034.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Introduction to software applications used in web and mobile design: Creating graphics and animation for screen display.
GRART 111 Elements and Principles of Graphic Design
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Advisory
- GRART 032 or GRART 230.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Introduction to elements, principles and techniques of graphic design: Elements of point, line, space and volume; principles of balance, unity, and emphasis; image generation techniques of proportion, contrast, visual impact, rhythm, and illusion; use of graphics software for project presentation.
GRART 112 Creative Process and Solutions
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU
Introduction to the established sequential graphic design process: Process of client communications, project objectives, creative briefs, goal orientation, creative production, presentation, solutions, and evaluation; development of creative imagingskills such as abstracting, morphing, sketching, symbol development, contrary expectations, and visual variety as project solutions.
GRART 113 Typography
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU
Introduction to the importance of type as a graphic design factor: Traditions of communications through visual symbols and letterforms, historical development of alphabets to modern computer type technologies, type terminology, measurement, composition, and layout using traditional and computer page layout software; hands-on projects demonstrating typographical concepts.
GRART 114 Graphic Design Technology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- GRART 032.
- Advisory
- GRART 034 or GRART 036.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Technology based orientation to file preparation dependent upon final output method: Concepts of print and electronic display limitations, file formats, image resolution and correction, color modes, file inspection, packaging and delivery to the graphic arts service provider.
GRART 115 Website Design
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Advisory
- GRART 111.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Introduction to web-site design from a planning perspective: Good elements of graphic design, process of design, goals of site, message, audience demographics and psychographics, content and architecture, pre-production, building and maintaining.
GRART 121 Applied Graphic Design 1
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 1 hour lecture, 6 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- GRART 113.
- Advisory
- GRART 111 or GRART 112.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Project-oriented class for the practical application of typographical theory: Impact of type on the audience, type composition, layout, emphasis, and characteristics for impact on readability, legibility and graphic design aesthetics; use of computer page layout software in project completion.
GRART 122 Applied Graphic Design 2
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 1 hour lecture, 6 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU
Project-oriented class for the practical application of design theory, color theory, procedures, and processes: Advertising design for publications such as newspapers and magazines, packaging, and publication design for the layout of newsletters and magazines; student-generated art using both hand and computer techniques for creation of presentation designs.
GRART 123 Applied Graphic Design 3
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 1 hour lecture, 6 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- GRART 034.
- Advisory
- GRART 111 or GRART 113.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Project-oriented class for the practical application of design theory, procedures, and processes: Business graphics and corporate design, poster design, and branding for product identity and acceptance; student-generated art using both hand and computer techniques for creation of presentation designs.
GRART 150 Graphics in Motion Introduction to Animation
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Advisory
- ART 020.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Fundamental principles of animation taught hand drawn techniques: Motion, Laws of Physics, expressions in acting, and general movement of objects, nature, and human forms for beginners; application of twelve universal principles of animation, timing and spacing, hands-on motion exercises, use of professional animation software.
GRART 151 Graphics in Motion Intermediate Animation
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Advisory
- GRART 150 or Instructor's approval.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Continuation of GRART 150: Complex motion, in depth application of the laws of physics involving motion, expressions in acting, using emotions, and general movement of objects, nature, and human forms for intermediate artists; deeper exploration of the 12 universal principles of animation, intermediate level timing and spacing exercises, hands-on motion exercises, use of professional animation software at the intermediate level.
GRART 152 Graphics in Motion Advanced Animation
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Advisory
- GRART 043 or GRART 150 or GRART 151.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Continuation of GRART 151: Storyboarding for animatics, animated film, blocking shots, in depth application of the laws of physics involving motion, expressions in acting, using emotions, and general movement of objects, nature, and human forms for advanced artists; deeper exploration of the 12 universal principles of animation, advanced level timing and spacing exercises, hands-on motion exercises, use of professional animation software at the intermediate level.
GRART 200 Special Projects Laboratory
- Units
- 1-5
- Hours
- 3 - 15 hours lab
Open laboratory: Upgrading of specific graphic art skills and selected graphic art projects.
GRART 230 Computer Basics for Graphics
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- .75 hours lecture, .75 hours lab
- Advisory
- Very basic keyboarding skills.
Basic computer operations for beginners with an interest in graphics and multimedia: Introduction to basic and special graphic operations with emphasis on Macintosh operating systems, with some Windows basics for graphics
GRART 231 Introduction to Graphic Design
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
Introduction to components of the graphic arts industry and role of the graphic designer: Historical aspect of graphic design; human communications; print documents; computer applications; design fundamentals and aesthetics; includes file management practices and introduction to illustration and image manipulation software relevant to the web design and graphic design industries. Recommended for majors and non-majors seeking a career path in Applied Graphic Design.
GRART 466K Work Experience in Graphic Arts
- Units
- 1-4
- Hours
- 3 - 12 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU
Supervised employment providing opportunities in Graphic Arts or a related field: Develop desirable work habits, become a productive, responsible individual, and extend education experience with on the job training. A maximum of 14 units may be earned during one enrollment period.
GRART 501 Graphic Arts Open Lab
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 17.50 - 70.00 hours lab
Access to the Graphic Arts computer and design labs: Supervised tutoring in graphic software, desktop publishing, graphic design, and electronic imaging.